Pink tractor chugs along
Saturday, October 17, 2009
An old Allis-Chalmers tractor is getting a break from the parade circuit to sit at the Flinthills Mall as a reminder that October is Cancer Awareness Month.
The 1940s-era tractor was painted pink earlier this year by members of the Flint Hills Antique Power Association. The tractor since has been in parades, fairs and special events in Lyon and surrounding counties to promote cancer awareness and raise funds for the Junebug Foundation, to help people undergoing treatment for cancer.
On Friday, FHAPA members were at Flinthills Mall to present a check for $750 that was raised through the outings and from a drawing for a pink pedal tractor for children that was given away at the Lyon County Fair.
Martina Krueger accepted the donation on behalf of the foundation.
Donations continue to be accepted through a red “donation toolbox” on the drawbar at the rear of the tractor.
The tractor, which belongs to Elton Jensen, was modified through efforts of the power association and the community.
In addition to Jensen, Gary Watts did the mechanical work that put the tractor back on the road, running well; Cecil Cunningham painted it pink, with paint arranged for by Rob Gordon and donated by O’Reilly Auto Parts; Stan Fowler of Printing Plus made and donated the decals that decorate the tractor; and Williams Automotive repaired its radiator at no cost.
“This pink tractor evolved,” Watts said. “It was kind of a community project. It’s been amazing that we’ve pulled in the parades a trailer with cancer survivors. I saw them up at the Emporia parade there during the summer, and just every block or so there’d be a round of applause when we went by with it.”